Association between elevated systolic blood pressure and outcomes in critically ill patients: a retrospective cohort study and propensity analysis

This study investigated the association between cumulative time of different SBP ranges and outcomes of critically ill patients at early phase of ICU admission. Based on comparison among patients with different levels of duration time, we found that the cumulative time of SBP 120-140 mmHg was associated with decreased 12-,3-,1-month mortality and in-hospital mortality. In addition, we found that risk escalates rapidly and there does not appear to be any safe duration of a SBP less than 100 mmHg. Unlike baseline patient characteristics which are rarely modifiable, SBP after ICU admission could usually be controlled and may thus be an important therapeutic target. Understanding the relationship between accumulated time at different SBP levels and outcomes in critically ill patients will help guide interventional studies.